Fashion Me Fabulous

Who: SophistiKate What: A little of everything When: Mostly 1960s-1980s Why: The shop carries clean, quality items at good prices. Most everything in the shop still looks relevant so you'll have the vintage look without feeling costume-y. There are detialed measurements and lots of pictures of the items. This SophistiKate's decor shop, DomestiKate . How much: $5 to $80 Favorites: Purple Pink Pumps $10 Train Case $44 Butterfly Sundress $36 Wedding Dress $80 Ankle Booties $30 (Pictured)

Last week, I wrote about saving or splurging on a skin care routine . In the last few years I've expanded my cleaning and moisturizing routine to include eye cream. I've tried a few brands and several high-end sample, but the Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel is my favorite. It costs around $10 and lasts several months. Since lines around the eyes are a telltale sign of aging, the product will help me fight that. It also helps my eyes look a little brighter, even when I've neglected the proper amount of sleep. There are countless eye creams out there, many with crazy high prices. Do you save or splurge on this beauty essential? P.S. I don't mean to sound like an advertisement for Olay, but my mom has been using their products most of her life, and she looks fabulous so I trust them to do the same for me!

One of summer's biggest (and trickiest) trends has been shoes with bold detail at the ankles. Be forewarned that mismanagement of this trend will shorten your legs and give you cankles. It looks best with a relatively unadventurous outfit so the focus can rest with your feet. Even so, short me loves this trend. I love the feel of an ankle strap or cuff, and crazy shoes never distract other people at work (some of my clothing has garnered that complaint). Top: grey laced-up cuff pump, Linea Paolo "Vie" at Nordstrom $129.95 cobalt bead thong, "Bianna" by Steve Madden $129.95 (Other colors are on sale at Endless !) brown ankle cuff pumps, Forever 21 $29.80 grey gladiator ankle flats, "Delilah" by Dolce Vita on Shopbop $100 Middle: green patent pump, "Convent" Carlos by Carlos Santana at Famous Footwear $49.99 taupe thong with silver strap, Boutique 9 on Endless $111.11 white cutout ankle wrap sandal, "RSVP" by Seychelles on Endless $7

It was a about 4 in the morning, I'd been at work three hours, was covered in a new skin of sweat and dirt, and I thought "How do women in such situations stay feeling pretty?" Some of my friends say it's all about keeping the girly underwear. I once heard some female soldiers state the importance of toe nail polish. Both ideas carry the idea of secret femininity. Personally, I'm rocking cute headbands and fun earrings. Everyone can just stare at the pink polka dot scarf in my hair, so *pbttt*. peanut butter and jelly studs, Fred Flare $10 graphic headband, Mod Cloth $5.99 How do you deal with staying girly with dirty jobs or strict dress codes?

I rarely look at a sneaker and think "That's cute! I kinda want it." However, when I saw this " Avril " slip on from Wash by Chinese Laundry I thought just that. The Avril looks perfect for a comfy, throw-them-on-and-go sort of shoe. The rubber sole and fabric upper mean the shoe is comfy and durable yet breathable and light for summer. In addition to the black and white print pictured here, the shoe comes in a mint, yellow & blue floral; satin black; satin pewter; satin gold; and satin pink. The girlish colors make this shoe perfect for pairing with flowy skirts and sundresses all summer long. It costs $69.95 at Endless .

It feels like there's a movie coming out called Michael Jackson is Dead . Everyone's talking about it, but it doesn't seem real. His contribution to music, dance and video cannot be denied. Certain styles are also iconically his -- red leather jackets, cropped military coats, sequin blazers, white socks with black pants, one glove. The outpouring on Polyvore has been heavy since news of his passing. Here's a small sample of his impact on fashion. This Is A Thriller, So Beat It by K. featuring BALMAIN shoes Speed Demon by BellaMarie on Polyvore.com Leave Me Alone by BellaMarie on Polyvore.com #269. In loving memory: MICHAEL JACKSON! by ☠☮PrInCeSs MoShA!☆☼ {JOIN GROUP} on Polyvore.com Who's Bad? by Fashion Me Fabulous on Polyvore.com Farewell to a pop LEGEND: R.I.P. Michael Jackson. by ♥laina♥ on Polyvore.com King of Pop by Fashion Me Fabulous on Polyvore.com

What's your daily skincare routine ? Does the finished product involve lipstick ? Save money with versatile weddings shoes under $80 . Linen pants are a summer staple. Cheap, comfy gladiator! We stopped in our tracks for the extraordinary handmade, hair accessories at Which Goose and vintage steals at Retro Girl Gypsy Arcade . In other news, becca's moving in this heatwave. Thankfully, she has no person-sized boxes.

Project Design is our own friendly competition where we put together collection of independent designers for you to rate on your very own imaginary runway. Nothing says "relaxed summer day" like a tank top. A unique one can take you from day at the beach to night on the town. Which top will keep your cool this summer? Apron Top by TalulahCoco dip dye top by SHirinhandmade Draped Grecian Style Tunic by erinleighheart Couture Fluted and Stamped by artlab Romantic Summer Wrap Top by Lirola Grey Ruffle Tank by ellainaboutique poll by twiigs.com

Been working third shift over two weeks now. No sleep. The thoughts, they run together and mean nothing. Verbs at where? Pictures make for worky sense, yes? Shh! The bathtub is singing! I made pretties. PRIDDY! Domestic Goddess by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring Catherine Malandrino dresses Candy Fairy by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring Nine West shoes Gotta Have The Blue Hair by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring Dorothy Perkins Special Girl by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring Franco Sarto shoes

Welcome to the FMF weekly reader poll. We're hoping to get to know a little more about you, our beloved readers, and have a little fun with fashion questions. This week we want to know what kind of lipstick you are... poll by twiigs.com

I went shopping with my mother-in-law this weekend, and failed in my goal of getting her to buy something green. She hates the color, but it would look beautiful on her. In yet another attempt to get her to try some green, this week's $150 Challenge pairs green with her favorite color -- navy. And it's even teacher appropriate! This look cost $134.32. $150 Challenge: Starter Green by Fashion Me Fabulous featuring Forever21 colorblock dress, Forever 21 $22.80 cropped cardigan, Nine West $39.99 green patent ballet flats, Charles on Endless $19.95 white bag, Target $29.99 print scarf, Target $9.99 patent belt, Forever 21 $6.80 floral earrings, Forever 21 $4.80

Shop: whichgoose Why We Love It: These unique, amazing crowns, headbands, fascinators & clips could not be more fabulous. Price Range: $10 - $50 More Info: Check out whichgoose's blog and twitter . Favorite Items: Everything. I mean it. There is too much to pick from. It took me forever just to choose an item to picture ( butterfly hair comb, $35 ).

If you have multiple weddings to attend this summer, chances are you don't want to spend a ton on shoes. Any shoes you do buy, you'd like to wear more than once. Here's a handful of pairs to cover formal weddings, garden parties, hot dates, and maybe even a day at your desk. First: black colorblock slingback, Nine West "Kosmic" $39.99 pale pink slingback, Nine West "Narcisco" $69.99 black rose peeptoe pump, Forever 21 $24.80 Second: jeweled thong sandal, "Chandelier" at Victoria's Secret $49 navy bow ballet flat, Gap $39.50 Third: bronze pleat pump, "Gather" by Easy Street on Endless $21.97 gold ruffle flat, "Karoll" by Steve Madden on Zappos $69.90 black bead sandals, "Galaxy" by Two Lips on Endless $57.23 Fourth: pleat beaded pump, Charlotte Russe $29.99 silver cut out flat, "Dolle" Steve Madden $69.95 orchid buckle slingback, "Layland" by Nine West on Endless $79.95

A few weeks ago, a sales women at Nordstrom stopped me to tell be about a free skin assessment one of the counters was providing. I looked up to thank her. When I did, she leaned closer to me, opened her eyes a little wider and said "You have beautiful skin!" This made my day, maybe my week. I do have fairly nice skin naturally (Thank you, God & Parents), but I'm not used to that enthusiastic of a compliment. As I walked away, I started to giggle. If I had stayed to tell that woman about my skin care routine she would have been shocked. The routine itself is excellent. I cleanse and moisturize twice everyday. I have done this everyday (with maybe 9 or 10 exceptions) since I was 14 years old. What I don't owe to genetics I owe to my mother for stressing the importance of this twice daily ritual. My products are the astounding part. I use Dial Gold Bar Soap (yes, even on my face, which makes dermatologists cry) and Olay Moisturizing Beauty Fluid for Sensitive Skin.

Who: Retro Girl Gypsy Arcade on Etsy What: handfuls of everything When: 1950s-1980s Why: Not only are dozens of sweet retro kitsch items marked down to $9.99, but this retro girl needs to clear out inventory before moving and is open to bartering. Plus the shop name sounds like an awesome all-girl punk band. How much: Most items stay under $50 Favorites: floral bustier dress, 1980s $49.99 red suit dress with jacket, 1940s $109.99 green and navy suit dress with jacket, 1960s $9.99 tooled leather handbag, 1950s? $9.99

Gladiator sandals may be easy to find this season, but not every pair is comfortable. These Enzo Angiolini gladiators have a low wedge, which makes them more comfortable than many thin, flat pairs I've seen. Also, the quality leather will form to your foot and last for seasons to come. Even better, they are on sale for $49.99 from $89 at Lord & Taylor . The wedges come in gold (pictured), silver and bronze snake embossed leather. These metallics will add sparkle to all your summer outfits.

Wide-leg linen pants are one of my favorite things to wear in the summer. They're light and cool while protecting my legs from that burning star. Some people don't like to spend too much on linen because the wrinkling makes it a little hard to wear everyday. Others prefer to splurge because inexpensive linen can be scratchy. Here's a selection for both the under $50 and the pushing $100 shoppers. tan tie waist pants, Charlotte Russe $26.99 white tie waist pants, Victoria's Secret $39.50 grey stripe pant, Express $39.99 high waist belted pants, Robert Rodriguez at Bluefly $141.99 red stripe pant, Anthropologie $88

We want to know... Plaid or plain ? Love or loathe ? Macy's or Barney's ? Save or Splurge ? Can-can? We're hooked on antique underpinnings such as corsets and petticoats . Say "I Do." Bridal necklaces , a dream dress , and bridesmaid horror stories . Colors of Summer . Pink . Black & White . Green & Yellow .

Project Design is our own friendly competition where we put together collection of independent designers for you to rate on your very own imaginary runway. Whether it's something old, new, unique or blue, a necklace is just one of the little finishing touches that makes a bride glow as she walks down the aisle. Which necklace would your choose to add charm to your wedding day? Swarovski, Pearl and Crystal Set by AzureTreasures And A Little Something Blue Locket Pendant by COGnitivecreations She Wore Blue by HeavenAwaits Lisette in Silver by liliswan Adelia by NooniJewelry Summer Necklace by annabellejones poll by twiigs.com

I feel in love with Marion Cotillard's Jean Paul Gaultier Oscar dress in 2008. The shape-hugging, mermaid dress with perfectly sculpted scales stood out from the sea of draped, Grecian dresses. Cotillard showed Hollywood how to take a risk and stay classy. If you are a bride-to-be looking for a little glamour and a touch of surprise for your trip down the aisle, this evening gown inspired by that look may be just the thing. This gown stays true to the spirit of the Gaultier original and would make and amazing wedding dress. It would allow the fashionable bride to take a risk without looking dated in her pictures 30 years from now. The gown costs $650 at edressme .

One of my college roommates sent me a book called You Can Wear It Again: A Celebration of Bridesmaids' Dresses by Meg Mateo Ilasco. I must admit I uttered those words to my bridesmaids. The best burgundy fabric we could find was a butterfly brocade, so we ended up making Chinese-style tops (no strapless, backless bra required) and gold skirts. My roommate (on the right) actually wore the top until the zipper died, so maybe I wasn't quite as delusional at these other brides. The pictures in "You Can Wear It Again" can be a whole lot of fun with a gabby group of girl friends. I plan to cover the pictures in snarky post-it notes and pass it to becca (who will not make me wear satin polka dots and a floppy hat) to do the same. When it makes its way through all our friends, we'll have a great collection of comments. Just click with you want a better view of these horrors committed to fabric and friendship. Note to brides: It is unfair to make your sisters, cousins,